Reborn of the Luna novel Chapter 13

I descended the stairs slowly, each step deliberate, as I noticed Maximus turning to see what had captured everyone's attention. His shock at seeing me, his own wife, was almost laughable. I found it offensive, though. When he offered his hand, much to the displeasure of Princess Peach—also known as Becca in her tacky dress—I simply ignored him and continued walking as if we were strangers. The move sparked another wave of whispers, which, in the werewolf world, meant nothing was truly secret—everyone could hear what the murmurs were about.

I greeted a few couples I knew, all of them offering me their best smiles, carefully avoiding any mention of the awkwardness in the room. After a few polite exchanges, I decided it was time for some liquid courage. Goddess knew I needed it today.

From the corner of my eye, I noticed the balcony on the other side of the room, typically used by Alpha Richards, the owner of the house. It was covered with white curtains, concealing whatever was happening behind them. I saw a few figures moving inside, but my curiosity wasn’t strong enough to pull me away from the party to investigate.

“Luna Grimm,” a male voice called from behind me. I turned to see an unfamiliar Alpha. He looked young, one of the newer ones I hadn’t yet met. In some packs, alphas changed frequently due to power struggles. Maximus and I had managed to avoid that chaos and were considered somewhat like elders, despite me being twenty-five and him twenty-six.

“Hello,” I greeted him with a soft smile, keeping it polite.

“Alpha Henry Armstrong,” he introduced himself. He seemed to be in his late twenties as well. “Alpha of the Emerald Mountain pack.”

“Ah, I’ve heard,” I replied, now intrigued. Everyone had heard the rumors about the Alpha’s bastard child who had challenged and defeated his elder brother to claim the title. “Impressive,” I added.

“A compliment from someone like you is indeed a compliment,” he said, smirking as he gestured for the bartender to serve us drinks. “Champagne for the lady and brandy for me.”

Typical alpha behavior—he didn’t even ask what I wanted.

“Katherine,” another Alpha greeted me from the other side, “Looking gorgeous as ever.”

His arm wrapped around my waist as if it belonged there, prompting Henry to growl quietly, a warning.

For a moment, I was confused, then it hit me—they both thought I was back on the market.

How amusing.

And yet, this could be useful. I was, after all, technically back on the market, even though I still bore another man’s mark on my neck—a man who was currently and openly enjoying himself with someone else. As far as I remembered from my past life, they had a blast while I was forgotten. I had hidden in my modest dress, cowering in a corner, and left the event early. Alone. Heartbroken, unable to talk to anyone, though I had tried, as always.

But now, it was game on. My heart wasn’t aching anymore.

“Snobs!” another werewolf exclaimed, laughing. “So, Kat, will you save me a dance?”

“I don’t see why—

“No!” A firm voice interrupted from behind. I turned to see Will, looking less than pleased with the situation. What was his problem? “My Luna promised to dance with me tonight,” he lied without hesitation, irritating me. Was he doing this for Maximus? Trying to keep me from talking to anyone

This was too much and didn’t fit with my plans at all.

“Don’t be ridiculous, Will,” I giggled lightly before giving him my signature don’t-you-dare look I reserved for my subordinates. “We only talked about one dance in the car. After that,” I glanced at the group of single Alphas around me, “I can dance with my old friends. And new ones as well.”

Some of the men adjusted their collars at my words, clearly pleased with the effect I had on them. The dress was a good investment, after all.

“I still insist on being first,” Will said, offering his hand, and I accepted it.